Category Archives: News

On the 29th April 2015, the Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB), the country’s Central Bank, launched a new series of banknotes consisting of BIF 500, BIF 2000, BIF 5,000 and BIF 10,000 notes. The paper notes are designed using bright colours, different to the design of the denominations before them: the 500 is…

The Central Bank of the Solomon Islands has issued a new $100 banknote. The new note is the second to be issued from the Solomon Island’s latest series of banknotes, following the $50 banknote issued in 2013. The theme of the note, which was designed and printed in collaboration with De La Rue, is rural…

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has today issued a press release advising of a security thread upgrade to all its banknote denominations except for the $5. The Bank advises that the upgrade is “in keeping with the advancement in technology to prevent counterfeiting”. Read the ECCB press release here. | See ECCB banknote…

The first fully polymer banknote to be circulated in Great Britain has been launched this week by Clydesdale Bank. The new plastic £5 banknote is available from Clydesdale Bank branches from today, a year before the Bank of England plans to issue its own polymer banknotes. The limited edition banknote is being launched to coincide…

The Royal Mint has today revealed the design of the new one pound coin, which has the same shape as the old 12-sided threepence piece (3d) last used in 1971. The reverse (“tails”) side of the coin has been designed by 15 year old David Pearce from Walsall, who took part in a competition launched…

The Bank of Thailand has launched a new 100-Baht banknote. The new banknote is part of the 16th series of banknotes issued by Thailand’s Central Bank, and entered circulation on the 26 February 2015. According to the Bank’s press release, the new banknote continues to use the same colour and dimensions as its predecessor, but…

The European Central Bank has unveiled the new €20 banknote, the latest in the Europa series. The new note, which is the third to be released of the second series of euro banknotes, is to enter circulation on 25 November 2015. It has a number of new security features including an eye catching portrait window…

On Monday 16 February 2015 the Riksbank, the Central Bank of Sweden, introduced its new series of banknotes and coins. It is the first series to be launched in 30 years, and the new designs include a new denomination 200 krona banknote and 2 krona coin – the 2 krona coin was last issued in…

SMI is one of the best known independent technical and marketing consultancies serving the banknote and high security document market. In a sector which by its nature is strictly confidential and relies on experience and trust, SMI has built a strong reputation for insight, expertise and integrity.

Philippe Barreau, Managing DirectorSICPA SA

SMI’s unique knowledge of the banknote industry is unrivalled. They are the consultancy of choice within this sector.

Arjo Wiggins, Managing Director BanknotesThibaut d'Argentré

Secura Monde’s knowledge and grasp of the currency industry – the suppliers, issuers, technologies - and the issues and challenges that it faces are second to none.

Astrid Mitchell, EditorReconnaissance International

I can recommend the professional skill of the Secura Monde team and their global network. They are disciplined, organized, analytical, accurate and timely executing agreed tasks, they provide both comprehensive, detailed and meaningful reports and recommendations. Secura Monde also has good technical knowledge in security production and application, and production technologies from start to finish, which is very valuable.

Matthias Müller, Director Business Unit Security FeaturesHueck Folien

For technical and strategic consultation in the field of banknote and high security printing SMI is recognised as the industry leader. The company's understanding of the global market and its relevant technologies is first class and, in a highly competitive sector, SMI can be relied upon to provide expert and reliable independent advice.

Crane Currency

The recent business history of Fabriano in Security papers and features started in 2002 with a key report made by SMI. In fact, Fabriano paper mill was basically supplying banknote paper just to domestic market. With the investment made at that time, enabling their production to increase by 3 times, they need a clear overview on the international market, which was given by SMI, as well as some important advices as to security features alliances, which led Fabriano to take over a leading security thread and holographic foil manufacturer such as Mantegazza, renamed as Fabriano Securities in 2004.